Contributor License Agreement FAQs
Read the frequently asked questions on the Diem Individual and Corporate Contributor License Agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CLA?
“CLA” stands for Contributor License Agreement. It is common practice for open-source projects to require CLAs before an individual or corporation can contribute code to a project. A CLA clearly outlines the expectations, rights, and limits to a person or entity’s contributions. The Diem project utilizes the Apache Contributor License Agreement.
Why am I required to submit a signed CLA?
We require a signed CLA to make sure that the Diem project (and end users of the Diem network) are legally entitled to use your contributed code and that you had the right to make the contribution. A signed CLA is a common practice in the open-source community. Once your contribution merges into the project, it cannot be removed or have permissions withdrawn/modified.
Can I contribute code that is not my own?
By signing our CLA, you represent that all the code you contribute is your original creation. If you wish to submit code that is not your original creation, you must first get written permission from the owner of that code to submit it to the Diem project under a CLA. Submission of such third-party code must be separate from any contribution and must identify the complete details of its source, and any license or restriction (including, but not limited to, related patents, trademarks, and license agreements) of which you are personally aware, and conspicuously marking the work as “Submitted on behalf of a third-party: [named here].”
Am I giving away the copyright to my contributions?
Under the CLA, you grant the Diem project a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, copyright license to your contribution. However, you retain ownership of your copyright. You can review the CLA here.
How is my personal data secured?
Your information is stored in a secure, enterprise environment.
Can I use my contributions for other purposes?
Yes, you retain the full rights to redistribute your own code, and you may use your contributions for other purposes in addition to the Diem project. However, you may not grant rights to your contribution to others that limit or affect the rights of the Diem project.
Can I withdraw my permission to use my contributions at a later date?
Yes. If you wish to end your CLA with the Diem Association, you may submit a support ticket below.
How often do I need to sign the Diem CLA?
Corporate and Individual CLAs only need to be signed once.
Does the CLA exist in other languages other than English?
No. The CLA is currently only provided in English.
How does my organization sign the CLA?
For specific instructions on signing the CLA on behalf of an organization, see the Corporate CLA.
Once the designated Point of Contact and Authorized Signatory are identified, someone from the Diem team will reach out to prompt signature. After the CLA is signed, the Diem team will whitelist each member of your organization whom you have identified in writing.
How do I update the whitelisted members in my corporation?
Simply submit a support ticket below to add or remove members of your organization under a Corporate CLA.
What if I do Diem development as part of my job?
If your contributions to the Diem project are created over the course of your employment, your contributions might be owned by your employer. For your employer to own your contributions, they must sign a Corporate version of the CLA for that contribution to be accepted, and must specify you as an employee who is authorized to submit contributions on their behalf. This list can be updated as new people are employed or others leave by submitting a support ticket below, as described above.
If you believe your contributions were created outside the scope of your employment, it is your responsibility to clear that fact with your employer and then to sign an Individual CLA. We cannot accept contributions that you do not have the rights to license or anything that includes work that belongs to your employer.
If you are an independent contractor working on the Diem project as part of a job, make sure you and your client understand who owns the rights to your work.
Can I submit patches without having signed the CLA?
No. We cannot accept any submissions to the Diem project without a signed CLA.